Did you know that the word ‘very’ is an almost meaningless adjective and/or adverb?

‘Very' is the most useless word in the English language and can always come out. More than useless, it is treacherous because it invariably weakens what it is intended to strengthen.’ – Florence King (an American novelist)

There is a plethora of words that would be better suited than a humdrum word like very.

So, this silly little word has originated from the Latin verus meaning ‘true’. Then Old French decided that it should be verai, where Middle English found it and coined the word very.

I know that we all use very; it comes naturally and we don’t even have to think about it. Please don’t be offended when I say that it’s simply laziness (I am guilty as well).

To complicate matters somewhat, it can be used as an adjective and an adverb. The next time that you want to compliment The CV Branch’s work, say, ‘This is the exact CV that I need.’. Doesn’t it sound better than ‘This is the very CV that I need.’? (Used as an adjective before a noun in this example.)

Now as an adverb, it can be used to indicate a high degree of something, in other words as an intensifier. Like this; ‘Your LinkedIn profile is very good.’. Uninspiring. Rather say, ‘Your LinkedIn profile is outstanding.’ Much better, don’t you think? Especially when The CV Branch has helped you to create a marvellous profile.

Use very to emphasize a superlative and an adjective. When you ‘want your résumé by Monday at the very latest’, it conveys the same message as, ‘My résumé should be completed by Monday.’. The message is the same if you think about it.

Instead of saying that ‘this is my very own cover letter’, tell employers that ‘it’s your personal cover letter’.

You can use very in the sense that it means ‘the same’. Compare these two sentences; ‘Sonia said the very same thing.’. I’d rather she said, ‘the exact same thing’.

But remember that you cannot use very with verbs.

There is a newspaper in the United Kingdom that uses very so indiscriminately that it’s almost painful. One would think that their journalists would know better. But on the other hand, news is so fluent that they probably don’t have the time to think of a better word. I’m sure that that’s their excuse, mind you.

I like to replace very with ‘so’. In the sense of ‘I’m so excited.’. But there is a case where I wouldn’t necessarily change very; in the sentence, ‘Very good, sir, will that be all?’ It expresses consent or agreement. What do you think?

Have a look at these replacement words:

very beautiful exquisite

very serious solemn

very good superb

very week feeble

very worried anxious

From now on, the only times that you’re allowed to use very, are in these examples;

Very; an album by the Pet Shop Boys,

the lunar crater called ‘Very’,

the Martian crater with the same name after Frank Washington Very, and

You probably know that a great LinkedIn profile is invaluable; whether you are searching for employment, candidates, or to establish a professional network.

But perhaps you don’t know the etiquette and interaction behaviour for LinkedIn. For instance, you should try to accept (or reject) requests to connect as soon as possible; good manners are applicable everywhere.

Don’t underestimate LinkedIn’s significance; The CV Branch has written numerous CVs for clients who have found us on LinkedIn. This professional platform is ideal (almost a must-have) for presenting your talents and skills.

So, following are a few simple enhancements you may consider.

1. Photograph

This is easy; do not use a photograph of you sitting next to the pool with a drink in hand or visiting a spa. Leave that for Facebook. Speaking of which, please make sure that your Facebook posts are private, employers will have a look. To return to the LinkedIn photograph, it must be professional; head and shoulders with a neutral background or showing you in an area of your profession.

2. Your name

Use your name and surname. LinkedIn is not the place for nicknames. However, I believe that using the name by which you are known is not necessarily a bad idea. For instance: ‘Elizabeth Margaret Cookson’. If nobody knows who that is, use ‘Elize Cookson’. (Not really my names.)

3. Headline

You have a hundred-and-twenty (120) characters in which to explain who you are. To give you an idea, here are a couple of examples of headlines that I’ve written:

‘Executive Manager and Director; International Leader, Strategy Expert, Marketing, Sales, and Business Developer’

4. Summary

A summary is vital for establishing a search presence. Explain who you are and what you can offer in at least forty words (maximum 2,000 characters), and don’t forget to use a few industry-specific keywords.

5. Your profile

Complete your profile. Your chances of being found in a search increase exponentially. To achieve an ‘All Star’ rating;

photograph,

industry and location,

a detailed current position,

two previous positions,

skills, and

50+ connections.

6. Skills

Don’t be afraid to list all your skills. Endorse your connections and they would hopefully do it in return. You can ask to be recommended, I’m not brave enough to do that, but if you are, click on the ‘Ask for recommendations’ button as shown in the screenshot.

7. Participation

Be active on LinkedIn. I’m not saying that you should create your own content. Share your connections’ or articles that are pertinent and interesting. You can, of course, prepare your own posts to use as a showcase for your projects/skills/successes. Connect with people in your industry and follow interest groups.

The CV writing industry is competitive. Choosing a professional CV writer with whom you feel comfortable with can be a daunting task. I have compiled a list of questions you may want to ask a CV writer. Needless to say, I have answered these questions in my personal capacity as the owner of The CV Branch. (I, of course, want to be your supplier of choice!)

1. What qualifies you to write a great CV, Cover Letter, Résumé, LinkedIn profile or personal CV Webpage?

I am client-orientated and my caring nature will always be an asset. I pay close attention to detail, an irreplaceable skill. My command of the English language is superb and I believe in the Plain Language movement. In other words, I write your CV without unnecessary frills and adjectives which will mean nothing to an employer and more often than not, will create distrust.

Writing is my occupation, therefore I will make 100 per cent sure that your CV is accurate and free from errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. I have experience, having worked in the industry for four years.

2. How do you decide what layout or format to use?

I invest time in assuring that my templates remain up-to-date with current, as well as emerging, trends. My CVs are not written as one-size-fits-all. I am creative and understand the need to change my template should your industry demand it. Each client is unique, and I write only for you. My templates have an understated visual appeal, creating a better chance of an employer to look at it for more than just a few seconds.

3. Who writes my documents?

I personally write your CV, Résumé, Cover Letter,LinkedIn profile, and personal CV Webpage. The Language Branch: The CV Branch is my company and I take pride in the work I offer. My reputation is of the utmost importance to me.

4. Can I speak to someone if I have questions or concerns?

You speak to me personally, telephonically, via email or Skype. I am there for you throughout this process as much as I am able to be.

5. How does the revision process work?

I provide you with a first draft of your CV. Most of the time there is some material I require from you. You also have the opportunity to add or delete information. (The CV Branch does not take responsibility for false information.)

Once we have all the facts, I present you with your final copy.

6. What if I don’t like my CV, Résumé, or Cover Letter?

Within reason, I will continue working on it until it is perfect. Should we not understand each other at all or if I feel that the expectations are unreasonable, we may look at a partial refund. This, however, is not standard practice. But at the end of the day, I want my clients to be satisfied with my service.